ARMED robbers threatened a female employee with a handgun at a city centre bar before making off with cash.

The raiders lay in wait for the 23-year-old at Bar Lounge, Watergate Street, Chester, at 11.30pm on Sunday as she put rubbish outside.

She was bundled inside by the two men who were wearing balaclavas.

Police say she was threatened with a small black handgun but the weapon was not fired.

Then the staff member was taken into the main office where a 34-year-old male employee was counting the evening's takings.

The man and woman were bound by the robbers who made off with an undisclosed amount of cash before leaving by the back door.

Neither employee was physically harmed but both were said to be 'left very shocked'. They have now returned to work.

Police believe the offenders made their escape via Nicholas Street, Watergate Street and then into Commonhall Street, close to the Chester Chronicle headquarters.

Bar Lounge did not open to customers on Monday with notices posted outside explaining the closure was due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.

The offender armed with the handgun is described as a male, believed to be in his late 20s, 5ft 9in tall, and of proportionate build. He was wearing a grey sweatshirt which possibly had a number, similar to a motif, printed on the front. He was wearing black gloves and a black woollen balaclava.

Police say the accomplice's black woollen balaclava was not as close-fitting and the victims could see he was black. He was also wearing black gloves.

He is described as in his late 20s, 5ft 6-7in tall and of stocky build. He was also wearing a grey sweatshirt which had a hood. With it he wore light-coloured jogging pants and white training shoes.

The offenders placed the cash into a dark blue cotton money bag of the type used by banks. Detectives are keen to know where they got it from and its whereabouts.

Witnesses who may have seen anything suspicious are asked to call Chester CID on 01244 350222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.